The event, jointly organised by the German and French embassies, turned the neighbouring diplomatic gardens into a family-friendly zone full of cultural activities and attractions.
The launcher, brought in especially from the southeastern Polish city of Rzeszów where German Patriot units are stationed as part of a NATO air defence mission, was a centrepiece of the event.
Guests could climb into the cabin, examine the system up close and talk to Bundeswehr soldiers about how it operates.
The unit displayed in Warsaw was a training version. Its presence did not compromise eastern Poland's air defences, and was set to return to Rzeszów after the event, officials said.
Opening the picnic, the German ambassador to Poland, Viktor Elbling, said the gathering was part of celebrating Europe Day.
"This joint German-French initiative is our contribution to showcasing both our diversity and our close coexistence in Europe," he said.
French Ambassador Etienne de Poncins, referring to the day’s earlier downpour, welcomed the return of sunshine just in time for the event.
"A symbol of our friendship and shared values with our Polish friends," he remarked, adding that the occasion also celebrated the Weimar Triangle – the long-standing cooperation platform between Poland, France and Germany.
Alongside the missile launcher, the picnic featured interactive exhibits for children, German-language contests, football on a pop-up mini-pitch set up by a Bundesliga club's academy, and activities hosted by the Lukas Podolski Foundation.
A separate stand showcased cross-border cooperation by Polish and German border, police and customs services, including the ambassador's official BMW vehicle.
Visitors could also explore science puzzles, makeshift labs, and enjoy classic German fare such as pretzels, sausages and salads.
Across the street, the French embassy offered a taste of France, with vintage cars, electric vehicle displays, French-language pop songs performed by students, and food stalls offering oysters, crêpes and raclette sandwiches.
The embassies were among more than 300 institutions open to the public during this year’s Night of Museums in Warsaw, including several first-time participants such as the Museum of Literature's storage site and the SGGW Life Sciences University Museum.
As in previous years, visitors could explore not only museums and galleries, but also usually closed spaces such as government ministries, courts, archives and, for one night, ambassadorial residences.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP